Rowan University

Rowan University Commencement Ceremony & Academic Regalia Summary

Rowan University upholds a distinguished academic tradition during its annual commencement, where graduates wear the official graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, and academic accessories that reflect their degree level and field of study. The university uses a signature brown-and-gold color scheme for its undergraduate and graduate regalia, ensuring that every candidate maintains a unified and professional appearance. The ceremony features full academic regalia, including faculty regalia, university mace, and college gonfalons, creating a formal and meaningful graduation experience.

Bachelor’s degree candidates wear a standard brown-and-gold graduation gown with a matching mortarboard graduation cap and tassel. Master’s graduates include a traditional master’s hood, gown with distinctive sleeves, and a degree-specific tassel color. Doctoral candidates wear the university’s highest-level regalia, which includes an enhanced doctoral gown, velvet panels, and a doctoral hood. Doctoral students also participate in Rowan’s dedicated hooding ceremony, a symbolic tradition that highlights their academic achievement. Degree tassel colors include silver for master’s, blue for Education Specialist, and gold for doctoral graduates.

Rowan University offers optional honor cords, stoles, and recognition accessories for students earning academic honors or belonging to honor societies. Students may purchase these items from the Rowan Barnes & Noble bookstore, which is the university’s official supplier for cap and gown tassels sets, hoods, and stoles. Regalia must be purchased before commencement, and all graduates are required to wear the complete academic regalia appropriate to their degree level.